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Hardman and Hedges Complete Surfing Champions Trophy Line Up at Four Seasons Maldives
Maldives Promotion House – The final two contestants in “the world’s most luxurious surfing event” have been named as two-time World Champion Damien Hardman (Australia) and 2005 Women’s World Champion Chelsea Hedges (Australia). Both will compete in Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy from August 27 to September 2, 2012.
Hardman returns to the competition for the second consecutive year, having taken winner Mark Occhilupo to some very close heats in last year’s inaugural event. Nicknamed “Iceman” for his ferocious concentration and nerve-free attitude, Hardman’s wave precision and tactical genius make him a dangerous opponent in any contest. His previous experience of the competition and its waves will be a distinct advantage – and his memories of last year’s event means he’s never looked forward to a contest quite so much before: “I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to go on some pretty special trips but last year’s Surfing Champions Trophy was the highlight of my life so far. Great waves, great service and great vibes: needless to say I can’t wait be part of the contest again!”
Chelsea Hedges (nee Georgeson), the 2005 Women’s World Champion, has been making waves in the surfing world since she was 13 years old. Highly masterful and with youth on her side, the event marks the 28-year-old’s comeback to competitive surfing after taking time away from the tour to become a mother – and now she can’t wait to bring it to the men in maximum style: “Having the opportunity to surf with five world champions in world class waves is any surfer’s dream. To have luxurious Four Seasons Resort accommodation as well is heaven. If I could have added one location the World Tour this would be it.”
Hardman and Hedges join an illustrious line-up of four other World Champions: Mark “Occy” Occhilupo (Australia) – the event’s defending champion and 1999 World Champion; Tom Curren (USA) – three-time world champion and true soul surfer; Martin “Potz” Potter (South Africa) – 1998 world champion, aerial-pioneer and all-round Mr Cool; and Phil Rajzman (Brazil) – Brazilian longboard master and 2007 World Champion.
Commenting on the final line-up and the competitive buzz surrounding the competition, Event Coordinator Mark Winson of Tropicsurf, the luxury surf pioneers behind the event, said, “It’s an amazing line-up, and despite the idyllic surrounds I’m sure that some old grudge matches will be rekindled come August. These world champions are competitors by nature and any of the six have what it takes to win the Trophy and USD 25,000.00. It’s going to be a very special few days.”
Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy 2012 sees six ex-world champions battle it out on single-fin, twin-fin and triple-fin boards in a USD 25,000.00 showdown for the ultimate crown.
Billed as “the world’s most luxurious surfing event,” the Surfing Champions Trophy is hosted aboard Four Seasons Explorer – the Maldives ultimate surf vessel – with all competitors, judges and spectators taking up residence on the Resort’s paradisiacal private coral island for the duration of the event.
This year’s event will also feature the launch of the inauguralFour Seasons Maldives Domestic Champions Trophy 2012, a simultaneous contest between eight Maldivian surfers that is hotly anticipated to be the biggest ever showcase of Maldivian surfing.
Guests booking Kuda Huraa’s all-inclusive four or seven night Champions Trophy package – available from August 27 to September 2 only – can get right on top of the action with competition day passes aboard Four Seasons Explorer plus three half-day surfing passes with Tropicsurf. Back on land, they’ll also get to rub shoulders with their surfing heroes and experience a level of intimacy and camaraderie unique in competition surfing.
Excursions
Baros Maldives unveils reef-focused ‘Fully Ocean’ programme
Baros Maldives has announced “Fully Ocean”, a week-long programme of marine conservation, education and guided activities scheduled from 1 to 8 June 2026.
The programme coincides with World Reef Awareness Day on 1 June and World Oceans Day on 8 June. It is positioned as an initiative to involve guests directly in conservation efforts, allowing them to participate alongside the resort’s marine team in activities focused on reef protection.
According to General Manager Ibrahim Shijah, the programme builds on the resort’s long-standing focus on reef conservation and aims to position guests as participants in that effort. Baros Maldives, which first opened in 1973, is among the early resorts in the country to implement a structured reef restoration programme. The property, which is Maldivian-owned, has maintained ongoing work through resident marine biologists and operational practices aimed at reducing environmental impact.
The “Fully Ocean” programme will run as a structured schedule of activities throughout the week.
On 1 June, the programme will begin with a guided house reef tour, followed by an information session for guests to register for activities. The day will conclude with night snorkelling.
On 2 June, activities will focus on coral restoration. Led by marine biologist Carissa Cabrera, the programme will include a snorkelling safari and workshops on coral restoration methods. Guests will have the option to participate in coral planting or sponsor coral frames.
On 3 June, a fish-focused programme will include identification workshops and in-water sessions for divers and snorkellers. The afternoon will feature activities in the Palm Garden, including educational games and painting sessions, followed by night snorkelling.
On 4 June, activities will focus on reef ecosystems. The programme will include guided dives under the Microlife Finders initiative, snorkelling safaris and low tide exploration of marine species such as shells and sea cucumbers. The day will conclude with a “Glow in the Dark” session, combining a presentation with a UV-assisted night snorkelling experience.
On 5 June, marking World Environment Day, the programme will include a guided nature walk around the island and a photography competition titled “Maldivian Treasures”. A second “Glow in the Dark” session will be held in the evening.
On 6 June, the schedule will include guided reef tours and night snorkelling.
On 7 June, designated as Turtle Day, the programme will feature activities led by the Olive Ridley Project, including awareness sessions and workshops on turtle conservation and responsible interaction.
On 8 June, the programme will conclude with a guided reef tour, a reef clean-up activity and a final night snorkelling session.
Some activities during the programme will be complimentary, while others will be offered at an additional charge. Booking and programme details are available through the resort.
The “Fully Ocean” initiative will coincide with Baros Maldives’ “Endless Summer” offer, running from May to October 2026. During this period, the resort is promoting travel during the off-peak season, when marine conditions attract species such as manta rays and whale sharks to nearby atolls.
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InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau unveils ‘Calm Waters: Swim with Nurse Sharks’
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has introduced “Calm Waters: Swim with Nurse Sharks”, a new package combining marine adventure, wellness and education in Raa Atoll.
The package is designed for travellers seeking experiences that go beyond leisure, offering opportunities to engage with the natural environment through activities that are both educational and responsible. Located close to one of the most accessible nurse shark snorkelling sites in the Maldives, just a 10-minute boat ride from the resort, InterContinental Maldives is offering guests the chance to observe the species in its natural habitat.
At the centre of the package is a guided swim with nurse sharks, giving guests the opportunity to observe the animals at close range in the water. Ahead of the excursion, guests are invited to attend a complimentary presentation led by one of the resort’s resident marine biologists. Held two days before the swim, the session is designed to address common misconceptions about sharks while providing information on their behaviour and ecological role. The presentation also includes refreshments and an interactive question-and-answer session.
The package also incorporates wellness elements in line with the resort’s broader focus on wellbeing. On the morning of the excursion, guests may take part in a 60-minute Morning Meditation & Slow Stretch session at the resort’s Yoga Pavilion. The session includes guided breathwork and mindful movement intended to help participants feel prepared before entering the water. The group session is priced at USD 35++ per person.
Before the swim begins, the resort’s marine team assesses shark activity and water visibility in Maamunagau Lagoon to ensure suitable conditions. The experience does not involve feeding or pursuing the sharks. Instead, guests observe them from a respectful distance as they rest on the seabed or move along the reef. The activity is positioned as an accessible marine encounter for a wide range of guests, including families, while also serving as an introduction to marine ecosystems and conservation. The guided swim is priced at USD 120+.
After the excursion, guests may choose from a selection of spa treatments at AVI Spa. These include Floating Sound Healing, which places guests in water while sound vibrations are used to support relaxation, priced at USD 150+. Another option is the 120-minute Maldivian Essence ritual, a full-body treatment drawing on local healing traditions and designed to relax muscles, nourish the skin and restore balance. This treatment is priced at USD 280+.
Through the “Calm Waters: Swim with Nurse Sharks” package, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is bringing together marine education, responsible wildlife interaction and wellness experiences in a single programme. The package presents ocean exploration as both a nature-based activity and a restorative experience, allowing guests to engage with the marine environment in a considered and structured way.
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The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort adds padel court to wellness offering
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has introduced a new padel court as part of its ongoing development of wellness and recreational facilities, expanding its racquet sports offering alongside the existing tennis court at Vommuli House.
The addition reflects increasing global interest in padel and forms part of the resort’s approach to providing activity-based experiences for guests within its island setting. Located within landscaped surroundings, the court is available for both casual play and structured sessions, including coaching with a resident padel professional.
According to the resort, the facility is intended to cater to a range of skill levels and provides an option for guests seeking to incorporate physical activity into their stay.
The introduction of the padel court is part of a broader expansion of the resort’s wellness programme. Guests also have access to fitness and wellbeing activities including Tabata and boxing sessions, reformer Pilates, and guided yoga and meditation classes held at the Yoga Sala.
In addition, the resort has upgraded its fitness centre with equipment from Technogym, including the Artis Cardio, Skillrun and Strength series. The facility is designed to maximise natural light and views of the surrounding ocean environment.
The upgraded gym also includes the Technogym Checkup System, which provides assessments of body composition, posture and performance, allowing for the development of personalised fitness programmes for guests.
Through these additions, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort continues to expand its wellness and recreation offering, with a focus on integrating fitness, sport and wellbeing into the guest experience.
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